Dear God,
It is said that the mirrors of our hearts are often reflected back to us mothers smack in the faces of our children. I believe You created us that way. I do – I really do. Sweet, impetuous, nurturing, patient and impatient, kind and so much more … we are all of these things.
We are women who mother, and mothers who are women.
When I see the soft touch or caress of a mother who, just minutes before might have been yelling her head off. Sitting behind her steering wheel in the parking lot, telling her kids to keep quiet in the back seat, only to turn and use her gentle hand to soothe one of her own who was pummeled by a flying toy, I believe you created her that way. I do – I really do.
Complex. Intricate. Multi-faceted.
It is fascinating to see how dynamic we all are … and yet so, so simple you created us mothers to be. Deep down, in the wellsprings of our heart, lay answers You planted in each of us about life. Yet, in my eight-and-a-half-year journey as a mom, I recognize that sometimes the answers I have are gifts meant for another mom I will meet along my journey.
If it weren’t for the connectivity and tribes of moms, I realize we would not be able to get those answers … for we need each other.
Of course, You know that, too. Like the blades of green grass when woven together, they create a beautiful landscape. We moms are like that, too, sewn together in community, and I thank You for that.
I thank You for the beautiful women whose faces I see that not only reflect their children, but reflect You, for they remind me to be more patient, gentle, and strong when I am faced with circumstances beyond my control.
When I hear stories how a mother will take her son or daughter to the hospital for the routine health exam because her child is battling arthritis, a heart problem, an ear infection or facing another type of cranial surgery and draw strength, I wonder so many things. Where does her strength come from? Does she know how beautiful she is, inside and out as she moves forward in this day of hers?
I know it’s You. I can see you lift them up. I can hear Your voice through the voices of her champions who support her. It is in these moments You seem so real to me, letting me and so many others who seek strength and bliss in the same moment know that it can be found in the most unexpected ways.
For I know it is never my thoughts or ways, but Yours. Knowing myself, I thank You for that, too.
You know, God, like hundreds of millions of other women in this world, I am a mother, too. You also know that like the 12 million women in America, I am a single mother. We are all connected, a landscape of women built on a foundation of grace, strength and courage, rearing our children to make solid contributions to our society.
So, God, it is with this letter, I present a request. I ask You to speak to the heart of the mother who is reading this and give her the words she needs to hear today. Just whisper to her. Whisper … that silent nudge that will tug at her soul. I do not know what she needs … but I know You do. And I believe when you whisper to her, she will better reflect You … for herself and her children’s tomorrows.
Thank you.
Love,
Christy
Christy Heady is a best-selling author, blogger, and writing coach who is writing her fifth book, Parenting with Grace, Gratitude … and Guts!
She has sold almost 500,000 copies of all of her books and when not writing or coaching other authors and bloggers, she helps her son Liam with his homework and cheers him on emphatically at his baseball games.
It is an honor to be part of your community and write this guest blog. Tove — thank you for sharing this with your readers! Blessings to you and your family!